Security Slideshow: SMB Data Security Spending Soars

$19 billion

SMBs worldwide spent more than $19 billion on security products and services in 2011.

Security is becoming a major concern for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) around the world. They want to know that the important data in their offices is being kept safe, and that any mission-critical applications are kept far from potential threats. And the vast majority of SMBs appear more than willing to spend some serious cash to ensure that they achieve those goals. In fact, unlike enterprise CEOs, who tend to be disconnected from the security issues facing their firms, SMB leaders clearly "get it" when it comes to the need to invest in protecting the organization. At least, this is what's indicated in the results of a recent study from Access Markets International Partners, a provider of IT, Internet, telecommunications, and business services strategy. The firm found that SMBs are spending boatloads of cash on security products, all with the goal of safeguarding company data. Here are eight highlights from the report.